Children’s education charity The Smith Family has launched the second season of its podcast, ‘Conversations With The Smith Family’, with guests including David Gonski and Eddie Woo.
Tackling some of the biggest education challenges facing young people today, podcast host and CEO of The Smith Family, Mr Doug Taylor, talks with education reformers, mental health experts, business leaders, researchers, policymakers and more, to uncover solutions to Australia’s educational inequality and ensure every child has the chance to thrive at school and beyond.
“We know that there are great challenges facing young people today, particularly those experiencing disadvantage. But importantly, there are solutions within our reach,” Mr Taylor said.
“With the recent signing of funding agreements between the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, we’re seeing real momentum for education reform. Now is the time to build on that momentum and look at what we can all be doing – in our communities, in our organisations, and as a nation – to empower every young Australian in their education and support them to reach their full potential.”
The series kicks off with a man whose name is synonymous with education reform. Mr David Gonski AC, businessman, philanthropist and Chancellor of the University of NSW, talks about his landmark report on education reform and how full funding is just the first step in ensuring all students, especially those experiencing disadvantage, have the opportunity to make the most of their education.
“I am delighted, even though it took time, that the Commonwealth and the states have come together, and I pay respect to the governments who have brought that to pass,” Mr Gonski said.
“With the additional money, people should sit down to solve the problems that we started with … and my belief is that, with proper use of the additional funding, bringing the experts in and providing it where it’s needed … I don’t see why one can’t solve this problem.”
Mr Gonski will be followed by CEO of The Parenthood, advocate for early childhood education and former journalist, Georgie Dent; psychologist, parenting expert and renowned author of Raising Boys and Raising Girls, Steve Biddulph AM; maths guru and teacher extraordinaire, Eddie Woo; and expert in educational innovation and digital equity, Leslie Loble AM.
‘Conversations With The Smith Family’ is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, with new episodes released monthly.
